Use GET to retrieve data without changing server state, as it appends data to the URL, is bookmarkable, and has size limits, while POST sends data in the body, hides sensitive info, allows larger payloads, and is used for modifying server data. 1. GET is ideal for searches, filters, or pagination where sharing URLs is useful. 2. POST is preferred for forms that submit sensitive data or change server state, like logins or registrations. 3. GET data is visible and cached; POST data is hidden, not cached, and more secure. 4. Always specify the method in forms; default is GET, which may expose data unintentionally.

When you're working with PHP and handling form submissions or API calls, two of the most common HTTP methods you'll use are GET and POST. They might seem similar at first glance, but they have distinct purposes and behaviors that affect how data is sent, received, and handled in your application.

When to Use GET Requests

GET requests are typically used for retrieving data from the server without changing anything on the backend. In PHP, when a form uses the GET method or when you click a link with query parameters, those values are appended to the URL as key-value pairs after a question mark (?).

• Visible in the URL – This makes it easy to bookmark or share, which can be useful.
• Limited data size – Since URLs have length limits (varies by browser), very long queries may fail.
• Not secure for sensitive data – Passwords or personal info shouldn't be sent via GET.
• Idempotent and safe – Multiple identical GET requests should have the same result and not alter server state.

Use GET when:

• Fetching search results
• Paginating through data
• Filtering or sorting lists

For example, if you're building a product listing page and want to allow users to filter by category, using GET makes sense because it lets them copy and share the filtered URL easily.

How POST Requests Work in PHP

POST requests are designed for sending data to the server to create or update resources. Unlike GET, POST data is sent in the request body, not exposed in the URL.

• Data not visible in URL – More suitable for sensitive or large amounts of data.
• No size limit – You can send much more data than with GET.
• Not cached or bookmarked – Because the data isn’t in the URL, it doesn’t get stored in browser history.
• Can change server state – POST requests are meant for actions like submitting forms, uploading files, or making purchases.

In PHP, you access POST data using the $_POST superglobal array. For instance, if you have a login form, you'd likely use POST to securely send the username and password to the server without exposing them in the address bar.

Key Differences Between GET and POST in Practice

Here's a quick breakdown of how these methods differ in real-world usage:

• Visibility: GET shows data in the URL; POST hides it.
• Caching: GET requests can be cached; POST usually cannot.
• Bookmarks: GET URLs can be bookmarked; POST ones generally cannot.
• Security: GET is less secure; POST is more appropriate for sensitive data.
• Data length: GET has limitations; POST does not.
• Use case: GET for fetching data; POST for submitting or modifying data.

A practical example: Imagine a user registration form. If you submit it with GET, all the user’s details will appear in the URL, which could be logged or shared accidentally. With POST, that data stays hidden and safer.

Choosing Between GET and POST in PHP Forms

When building HTML forms in PHP-driven applications, always consider what the form is doing before choosing the method.

If the form is just filtering or searching, go with GET — it helps with usability and sharing. But if it's creating, updating, or deleting data, stick with POST. It's also a good idea to follow the HTTP method semantics — GET for safe operations, POST for unsafe ones.

Another thing to note: if you don't specify a method in your <form></form> tag, it defaults to GET. So always explicitly set the method unless you're sure that's what you want.

Basically, choose the right method based on what the request does and how secure or reusable it needs to be.

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